United States’ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized after developing an issue on his bladder.
His ailment came days after a meeting between him and Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who was in the US for an official visit.
According to a statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin was taken to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday, February 11, for examination on his bladder.
Consequently, the Secretary transferred his functions and duties to his deputy, despite his earlier intentions to continue serving.
In a statement on Friday, February 9, Duale confirmed that he met Lloyd Austin for a conversation touching on defense cooperation between Kenya and the US.
According to the Kenya Defence Minister, the talks were a follow-up to the agreement signed between Kenya and the US in September 2023, in Nairobi when Austin visited Kenya.
The US Department of Defence in a statement noted that Austin thanked Duale for Kenya’s role and contributions in regional and global security and commented on the need to continue the fight against Al-Shabab.
In addition, the US Secretary emphasized the need for security and stability in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
“Both leaders agreed to continue working together to address shared regional challenges,” the statement read in part.
Lloyd Austin Diagnosed with Cancer
Secretary Lloyd Austin has been battling prostate cancer and is currently in the recovery stages.
Also Read: Ruto Revokes Duale Brother& Appointment, Lands Another State Job
Two senior officers at the Military Medical Center confirmed that Austin was admitted to the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring on Sunday, February 11.
In a statement, the two officers said the duration Austin would stay at the hospital was unclear.
However, they assured that the bladder issue was not seen as a threat to his anticipated full recovery.
“Tonight, after a series of tests and evaluations, the Secretary was admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Duale Elated After Meeting Biden Advisor, a Somali & American
“The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent. Updates on the Secretary’s condition will be provided as soon as possible.”
One of his recently planned engagements include a trip to Brussels, Belgium, where he was expected to meet other leaders of the Ukraine Contact Group.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2023 and has since then received treatment at intervals in the military health facility.
